Object Number 1955.0136.079

Object Name

Tool (for needlework) (Needle and thimble case)

Category

Tools

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Henry Francis du Pont

Place of Origin

United Kingdom or Continent, Europe

Origin Notes

Probably European or Scandinavian. See "Notes."

Date

1690-1730

Materials

Silver; Iron; Steel

Dimensions (inches)

3.5 (L) , 0.87 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

8.89 (L) , 2.22 (W)

Measurement Notes

Overall length is with silver ring. Per previous cataloguer. SRAL XRF test on April 22, 1975: Silver 84.22%, Copper 3.97%, Gold 0.30%, Lead 0.24%, Nickel 0.08%.

Object Description

Web - 04/09/2025

This delicately engraved case opens at the bottom to store sewing needles and at the top to hold a thimble. The loop at the top made it possible to suspend it from a chain or cord to connect to a chatelaine or belt hook on a woman’s gown. Ornamented silver tools with specific functions like this were items of value and status.  Although unmarked, the silver's purity standard (about 84%) suggests it originated in Europe or perhaps Scandinavia.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Rogers, Gay Ann. 1983 An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools.
• pg 65-68